Standard 3: Adapting Instruction for Individual Needs. The teacher understands how pupils differ in their approaches to learning and the barriers that impede learning and can adapt instruction to meet the diverse needs of pupils, including those with disabilities and exceptionalities.
Rationale
I developed the webquests to give students, of all needs, the ability to choose a project based on their interests and how they best learn. The webquests were developed for my fifth grade social studies classes and is used on an annual basis following our study of American colonies. The unit is very important in my development as a teacher because in the past I would offer one option for their research on American colonies and would receive subpar effort and outcomes from students. By providing choices, especially ones with technology, I found students were more likely to increase their effort and produce higher quality work. This has led me to provide choices for homework and projects in other subjects as well. The increased effort and achievement could be seen across all ability levels as students chose projects that were appropriate for their level and something they had a true interest in. The end result compared to previous years was dramatic as effort, grades, and enjoyment improved with regards to the American colony project.
KSD:
3.K.1 The teacher understands and can identify differences in approaches to learning and performance, including different learning styles, multiple intelligences, and performance modes, and can design instruction that helps use students’ strengths as the basis for growth.
The webquests demonstrate my ability to accommodate for different approaches in learning and performance by providing multiple options to each student in order to achieve a similar objective. All students should be able to reach a stated objective but how they get there is different for everyone so options are needed.
3.S.2 The teacher use teaching approaches that are sensitive to the multiple experiences of learners and that address different learning and performance modes.
The webquests demonstrate my ability to provide different performance modes by giving students an option to make a brochure, jeopardy game, poster, advertisement, slide show, or any visual display to portray what they have learned about the American colonies.
3.D.1 The teacher believes that all children can learn at high levels and persists in helping all children achieve success
Providing options to students demonstrates my disposition that all children can learn at high levels there. It is never a question as to if a student can achieve at a high level but it is the path that it takes to get them there.
Standard 3: Adapting Instruction for Individual Needs.
The teacher understands how pupils differ in their approaches to learning and the barriers that impede learning and can adapt instruction to meet the diverse needs of pupils, including those with disabilities and exceptionalities.
Evidence
American Colonies Webquests
Rationale
I developed the webquests to give students, of all needs, the ability to choose a project based on their interests and how they best learn. The webquests were developed for my fifth grade social studies classes and is used on an annual basis following our study of American colonies. The unit is very important in my development as a teacher because in the past I would offer one option for their research on American colonies and would receive subpar effort and outcomes from students. By providing choices, especially ones with technology, I found students were more likely to increase their effort and produce higher quality work. This has led me to provide choices for homework and projects in other subjects as well. The increased effort and achievement could be seen across all ability levels as students chose projects that were appropriate for their level and something they had a true interest in. The end result compared to previous years was dramatic as effort, grades, and enjoyment improved with regards to the American colony project.
KSD:
3.K.1 The teacher understands and can identify differences in approaches to learning and performance, including different learning styles, multiple intelligences, and performance modes, and can design instruction that helps use students’ strengths as the basis for growth.
The webquests demonstrate my ability to accommodate for different approaches in learning and performance by providing multiple options to each student in order to achieve a similar objective. All students should be able to reach a stated objective but how they get there is different for everyone so options are needed.
3.S.2 The teacher use teaching approaches that are sensitive to the multiple experiences of learners and that address different learning and performance modes.
The webquests demonstrate my ability to provide different performance modes by giving students an option to make a brochure, jeopardy game, poster, advertisement, slide show, or any visual display to portray what they have learned about the American colonies.
3.D.1 The teacher believes that all children can learn at high levels and persists in helping all children achieve success
Providing options to students demonstrates my disposition that all children can learn at high levels there. It is never a question as to if a student can achieve at a high level but it is the path that it takes to get them there.